TheSpread.com

This Week's Best NHL Bets
By Covers.com

Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.

For the week of Feb.10-16. All stats prior to action Sunday.

Hot team

Anaheim Ducks (3-0 SU)

The Ducks continue to roll, completing a 5-1 road trip with a 3-2 shootout win over the Predators on Saturday. Anaheim has won four straight and boasts an impressive 11-3 record on the puckline. The groin injury suffered by G Jonas Hiller hasn’t hurt the Ducks’ cause because of the impressive play of 30-year-old rookie Viktor Fasth, who is a perfect 8-0 with a 1.78 GAA. Anaheim has a breezy schedule this coming week, as it plays two home games against the Blue Jackets and Avalanche.

Cold team

Florida Panthers (0-0-3 SU)

The Panthers have suffered three consecutive overtime defeats at home to the Capitals, Canadiens and Lightning. Florida is winless in its last four games and has allowed 16 goals in the process. The Panthers are hoping RW Kris Versteeg (back) is healthy enough to suit up when they host the Maple Leafs Monday before hitting the road for two tough tilts with the Penguins and Flyers.

Best over play

New York Rangers (2-1 SU, 3-0 over/under)

The Rangers entered this week as a good under play (3-7 O/U) but have now played over the total in their last three games. After scoring just eight goals in its previous four games prior to the over streak, New York has found the back of the net 12 times in its past three contests. The Rangers host the Capitals Sunday before the Canadiens roll into MSG on Tuesday.

Best under play

Nashville Predators (2-2 SU, 0-3-1 over/under)

The Predators are without a doubt the best under play in the league (2-12-1 O/U). Nashville has gone low in 11 of its last 13 contests, thanks to its commitment to a defensive system under Barry Trotz. The Predators have the worst offensive production (1.9 goals per game) but boast the best team defense (1.7 goals per game) in the league. Nashville is in Colorado Monday before hosting Detroit and Vancouver later in the week.

Surveying the schedule:

The Chicago Blackhawks, who enter Sunday’s clash with the Kings as the only undefeated team in regulation time, continue their season-long seven-game homestand this week. The Blackhawks are already 2-0 on the homestand and have played under the total in their past seven home games.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the midst of a brutal six-game road trip. The Blue Jackets have already dropped consecutive games to the Kings and Coyotes on the trip and now face four very tough opponents. Columbus visits Anaheim, Detroit, St. Louis and Chicago to close out the trip this week.